Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Prof Erustus Kanga will address the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference and Expo at the KICC/FILENairobi will host global tourism leaders, policymakers and industry innovators for the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference and Expo (GTRDCE).
Tourism stakeholders will gather from February 16 to 18, 2026, to chart a stronger and more sustainable future for the sector.
The three-day event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) will bring together destination managers, conservation agencies, private sector players, and development partners under the theme “Tourism Resilience in Action: From Crisis Response to Impactful Transformation.”
The forum aims to move beyond discussion and deliver practical solutions that can help the global tourism industry withstand shocks and adapt to emerging challenges.
Organisers said the conference will focus on building systems that enable the sector to respond effectively to crises such as pandemics, climate change, security threats, and economic disruptions while accelerating long-term transformation.
Participants are expected to explore strategies on risk management, sustainable destination planning, digital innovation, conservation financing and community-based tourism, all aimed at strengthening tourism’s role as a driver of economic growth and job creation.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Prof Erustus Kanga is among the key speakers and will address delegates on February 17, in line with the United Nations-designated Global Tourism Resilience Day.
His presentation is expected to highlight the role of wildlife conservation and protected areas in strengthening tourism sustainability and supporting livelihoods.
Kanga is also expected to outline Kenya’s efforts to balance conservation, community participation, and tourism development, noting that resilient ecosystems are critical to maintaining the country’s competitiveness as a leading nature-based destination.
The conference comes at a time when the tourism sector globally is recovering from recent disruptions and facing growing pressure to adopt climate-smart and inclusive growth models.
Stakeholders say resilience is no longer optional but essential for ensuring stability, investor confidence, and long-term sector performance.
For Kenya, the forum presents an opportunity to showcase its leadership in sustainable tourism, conservation and crisis recovery while positioning Nairobi as a hub for global tourism dialogue.
Organisers have invited industry players, innovators, and policymakers to participate in the discussions, exhibitions, and networking sessions designed to foster partnerships and actionable solutions.
The annual event coincides with Global Tourism Resilience Day.
The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the tourism sector, such as natural disasters, pandemics, and economic downturns, and the need for preparation and recovery strategies
With tourism being a critical driver of many economies around the world, especially for small island nations and developing countries, enhancing the resilience of this industry is crucial to its long-term sustainability and ability to withstand future shocks.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!